First responders to test road crash rescue skills and display life-saving techniques in multi-agency challenge
Published: 01 May 2026 01:30pm
Four teams of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters will take on the state’s best in Dubbo this weekend in a multi-agency competition testing the road crash rescue skills of first responders.
The FRNSW crews are set to compete in the sixth annual State Road Crash Rescue Challenge, which will recreate real-life rescue scenarios inside the Dubbo Showground over from May 2-3.
The NSW State Emergency Service-led event will involve 123 participants and 17 teams from agencies including FRNSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Victoria State Emergency Service, VRA Rescue NSW, and Country Fire Authority.
A range of challenges will include entrapment and controlled rescue scenarios.
Teams will have 30 minutes to assess a car rescue scenario and respond with the appropriate tools as assessors watch on.
The controlled rescue simulation will involve patients and focus on medical skills, while the entrapment drill will task crews with freeing a mannequin from a vehicle.
Organisers have collected 75 vehicle wrecks from local suppliers for the weekend.
Teams will also take part in a trauma challenge that simulates a range of critical injuries, as well as a CPR masterclass, an industrial and domestic rescue scenario and a rescue skills challenge.
The winning team will be announced on Tuesday.
The public is encouraged to attend and watch the events, which will kick off at 7:30am on Saturday and Sunday. Participants will take part in a learning symposium ahead of the competition .
FRNSW Acting Commissioner Michael Morris said the multi-agency event was a great chance for emergency responders to exchange techniques and ideas.
“An event like the State Road Crash Rescue Challenge is as much about education as it is about competition.”
“Everyone involved this weekend has a shared goal - to keep members of our communities safe.
“These real-life scenarios offer an amazing opportunity for our people to test their skills and prepare for the many challenges they face on the job.”
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner of Capability and Training Daniel Austin said the Road Crash Challenge is set to be one of the biggest yet.
“Our members will take part in realistic rescue challenges designed to test their skills in trauma, first aid and rescue.”
“They will be put through their paces in a variety of scenarios to ensure they can quickly adapt to any situation with advanced equipment and skills they may need out in the field.
“We’re delighted to work closely with Fire and Rescue NSW, as well as NSW Ambulance through this important training that enhances our inter-agency cooperation and working relationships, but also ensures the community gets the best possible outcome when we respond together to real emergencies.
Updated: 01 May 2026 1:50pm